Li Shimin and the six princes understood immediately after hearing this, and secretly thought that this Buddhist scripture seeker was really a disciple of Buddhism.

Then Li Shimin and the quick-thinking prince thought, no wonder Shi Zhongkui would openly find trouble for the Bodhisattva in front of the people of Chang'an City.

The spread of Buddhism to the east means competing with Taoism for believers and incense!

"Is there anyone who can choose a good son-in-law?"

This is what Shi Zhongkui was waiting for, "We might as well let Jiang Liu'er go, and I think the Bodhisattva must have chosen him, otherwise the Jin Lan cassock and the nine-ring tin staff would not be given to Jiang Liu'er."

Li Shimin recalled the original situation and knew that Shi Zhongkui was right, but at this time he sincerely regarded me as his ancestor and was afraid that the saint would blame him if he got angry.

"The choice of a good son-in-law is of course the right one, but I'm worried that Xuanmen will lose people's hearts."

Shi Zhongkui said indifferently, "Your Majesty, if Xuanmen wants to prosper, it does not rely on dynasty and power. Throughout the ages, the status of Xuanmen in the land of the Tang Dynasty has risen and fallen, and it is nothing more than Xuanmen's own problem."

Li Shimin and the six princes thought for a moment and nodded.

Li Shimin sighed and said, "That's right, just like when I first read the Book of the Later Han Dynasty, it said: 'The husband is the boat, and the man is the water. Water can carry the boat, and it can also capsize it. If you think about danger by this, you can know

It's the same.

If Taoism wants to prosper, it really depends on itself."

After saying this, Li Shimin actually had something left unsaid in his heart, that is, the dominance of the Xuanmen family was not in the interest of the emperor.

But only a fool would say this in front of Shi Zhongkui.

Then he thought that he could think of this, and Shi Zhongkui, who had been practicing Taoism for countless years, should also be able to think of it.

Moreover, during the Waterway Conference, Shi Zhongkui was wearing a purple dragon robe, and his identity was clearly that of a king.

Even if he is not a real emperor, he can still guess that the future son-in-law in front of him is definitely very accomplished in imperial power.

Only then would the Buddhists be allowed to invade the Eastern Tang Dynasty and compete with the Taoist disciples for followers.

The reason should be to motivate the Taoist disciples, and at the same time to be honest, so as not to do bad things every now and then, and in the end it is they, the Taoist bigwigs, who lose face and lose their profits.

Of course, Li Shimin also understood that the power of the Buddhist school was definitely not small. Otherwise, there would be no need to compromise at all and just attack and destroy the opponent, then there would be no trouble at all.

Fortunately, what Shi Zhongkui just said was indeed extremely beneficial to the Tang Dynasty, and it could even be said that it was all for the sake of the Tang Dynasty.

Although Li Shimin had the idea of ​​using Buddhism to contain Xuanmen, he never thought about making Buddhism bigger.

Although there were not many real ways to restrict it, Li Shimin quickly thought of the imperial examination system established by the Sui Dynasty.

The conflict between Buddhism and Taoism seems to be balanced, but if Confucianism is added to the mix, this kind of force that can reach the sky in one step and directly enter the court as an official will not only be easier to win the support of the people, but also reduce the number of Buddhists and Taoists.

The influence of Xuanmen on the court.

At the same time, it can also attack the influence of aristocratic families, so that all the paths to advancement will be occupied by aristocratic families, threatening the imperial power.

If Shi Zhongkui knew what Li Shimin was thinking, he would definitely give him a thumbs up.

As a person of later generations, it is not difficult for me to think of these things because I know the direction of history.

But Li Shimin's approach of killing three birds with one stone was a very clever move due to his deep understanding of the emperor's tactics.

——

Not long after Shi Zhongkui left the palace, a decree was sent to Huasheng Temple.

However, no matter how much Li Shimin recognized Jiang Liu'er recommended by Shi Zhongkui, he would not directly issue an order to order him to go west to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

Regardless of whether Jiang Liuer is willing or not, even a person would resist a task that is forcibly assigned to him.

On the contrary, if fame and fortune are used as a temptation, people will take the initiative to stand up, so that things can be completed more satisfactorily.

Sure enough, after reading the edict, the official who announced the edict looked at the monks who had stood up and asked, "Your Majesty intends to seek Buddhist teachings. I wonder if any of the eminent monks are willing to go west?"

Dozens of eminent monks are willing to leave their names in history, but the bad thing is that all of them are already famous monks in the world or in their locality.

Now that you have fame and fortune, your desire for adventure has faded away.

Not to mention, since the Bodhisattva and the Xuanmen True Immortal almost came to blows, it would be very difficult to go to Xitian Lingshan.

When he failed to protect himself, he was eaten by the demon secretly sent by Xuanmen.

Moreover, everyone is older. Unless he is a truly accomplished Buddhist sect, how can he cross thousands of mountains and rivers and reach Xitianling Mountain?

All eyes couldn't help but look at Jiang Liu'er.

Tang Seng really wanted to go to the West. After all, he was just a young novice monk.

Apart from being famous for his vision of growing into an adult in eight years, who in the world knows about him?

Besides, Tang Seng recognized his identity as a citizen of the Tang Dynasty from the bottom of his heart. He stood up quickly, clasped his hands together, looked serious, and said firmly.

"I am a poor monk with no talent, but I am willing to do the hard work of dogs and horses, and seek the true scriptures with Your Majesty, so as to protect my king's eternal stability."

The officials and chamberlains who issued the decree were overjoyed and hurriedly reported the matter to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin was naturally very happy. Jiang Liu'er took the initiative to stand up and spread the word a little bit. Buddhist disciples and believers all over the world would recognize him as the emperor.

This is definitely a good thing for Li Shimin, who has the black record of killing his brothers and brothers.

Secondly, Tang Monk’s words of ‘protecting my king’s kingdom forever’ spoke directly to his heart.

An order was announced for Tang Monk to enter the palace early the next morning, and in front of Manchu Wenwu and Shi Zhongkui, he said, "If Master can be so loyal and virtuous, and is not afraid of a long journey and trekking through mountains and rivers, I am willing..."

I originally wanted to say that I would become brothers with Tang Monk, but before I could say anything, I heard Shi Zhongkui, who was standing in the front row, cough violently.

He hurriedly calmed down his thoughts and thought carefully for a moment. He quickly remembered that before the Waterway Conference was held a few days ago, Shi Zhongkui jokingly called Jiang Liuer 'my son'.

I quickly changed it to ‘I would like to confer Master the title of Holy Monk of the Tang Dynasty’.

Naturally, Tang Monk was also ecstatic, and he bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty, how could this poor monk be so virtuous and capable that he dares to be favored by God like this? When I leave, I will sacrifice my life and work hard until I reach the Western Heaven. If I don't reach the Western Heaven, I will not get the true scriptures."

, even if you die, you will not dare to return to your country, and you will fall into hell forever."

Li Shimin instantly felt relieved. If he failed to make such an oath, the consequences could be imagined.

There was no chance of returning.

Immediately he was rewarded heavily, and a good and auspicious day was chosen in court to issue an ultimatum for departure.

Tang Monk returned to Huasheng Temple. After many waterway meetings, the disciples who worshiped Tang Monk immediately surrounded him.

"Master, we have heard people say recently that the road to the west is far away and there are more tigers, leopards and monsters. I am afraid that they will never come back and it will be difficult to save their lives."

Tang Seng had no chance to go back on his word at this time. Besides, he didn't think it was difficult to go westward for the time being.

"I have made a great vow. If I don't take the true scripture, I will fall into hell forever. I am probably favored by the king, and I have to be loyal to serve the country. My departure is really uncertain, and it is difficult to determine whether it will be good or bad."
Chapter completed!